黑猫狂想曲

a sideblog just for black cat rhapsody. translated in collaboration with brennie.

[blackcatrhapsody]

Black Cat Rhapsody Masterlist

season: summer author: mitsuki tl + cn proof: brennie, eme eng proof: ciel, Soph

chapter 1: brennie’s, eme's chapter 2 chapter 3 chapter 4 chapter 5

comic legend of hei references (may not work on the tumblr mobile app, but will work on mobile browsers)

[blackcatrhapsody]

Black Cat Rhapsody—Chapter 1

Leo: Wahaha! As expected of Mama, all the sheet music was collected in the blink of an eye! Thanks, Mama! I love you!

Season: Summer

Time: One day in September

Location: A corner of the Hanging Garden

Leo: ♪ ~ ♪ ~...

(Um~... no no, that’s not the right feeling either! The variation in this section is soooo dull!)

(Waaahhh! My eyes! My hands! My brain! Any part of my body would be fine一help me find a solution quick!)

(I returned to Japan just for this commission, but now I can't find the right melody...!)

(Ahhhh!! Why won’t inspiration come forth! Just when I need you most, you abandon me in cold blood!)

...Huh?!

Grrrrrrrrr! What sorta punk hit me on the head out of nowhere! Don't you know not to mess with the brain of a genius! You're disrupting the composition of a world-famous song!

Oh, the heck?! It's just a broken branch.

Hang on, is this how Newton felt when the apple dropped on his head? Maybe getting hit by something while under a tree is actually the fate of all geniuses?

Nngh?! Turns out the culprit wasn't gravity this time, but a huuuge gust of wind from outta nowhere!

No! My sheet music一don't take this as a chance to escape! Do you hear me?! I'm telling you to stop!!!!

Madara: Whoopsy daisy, we nearly collided headfirst. That was close~

Oh, if it isn't Leo-san! It's wonderful to see you so full of energy, but please be aware of your surroundings when you run!

Leo: Sorry, Mama! The wind whisked my sheet music away, so I'm racing against the wind for them now!

Madara: In that case, let Mama help you out! In the words of that kid, Mitsuru-san, dash dash一☆

Leo: Wahaha! As expected of Mama, all the sheet music was collected in the blink of an eye! Thanks, Mama! I love you!

Madara: Hahaha! I used to be captain of the track and field club, so running to collect these is a cakewalk ♪

But I thought you were just off to Florence, Leo-san. ...How come you're home so soon?

Leo: I was asked to compose a soundtrack for a TV show! Anzu said it’d be more convenient to return to Japan so I could discuss the details with the client.

The show’s strange and entertaining, so I happily said yes. I’ll bet even Mama won't be able to guess its themes~?

Madara: Ooh? Leo-san, you’d make a stellar variety show host; my curiosity is toootally piqued! It probably doesn’t involve my favourite theme, festivals, does it?

Leo: Heheheh, it’s not that simple! It’s a supernatural period drama☆

Madara: A period drama? I’ve heard of a very famous one called "Vampire Shogun"; is it anything like that?

Leo: Not really! This show follows the clashing duels of various superpowered magical beings in an ancient world, full of wild and wondrous imaginings!

When Anzu received this commission, she knew I'd love it. She really gets me, huh ♪

After coming back so pumped, I dunno how I hit composer's block... Awawa, where did the inspiration I’m usually overflowing with go at such a crucial time?!

Huh, was it this dark just a moment ago? Mama, did we talk into the night without realising it?

Madara: Hahahaha! Time al~ways flies when I'm with you, Leo-san, but it's still afternoon.

The clouds overhead look thick and ready to pour. And here I thought the forecast about a storm had been mistaken since it was so bright until now.

Seems like you don't have an umbrella either, Leo-san, so we ought to make our way inside, right?

???: Meow~

Madara: Hmm? Am I hearing it right—there’s a cat meowing somewhere?

Leo: Oh, Mama look up, there's a black kitten in the tree!

Madara: Ooh, I heard right! How odd, this is the twelfth floor and animals aren’t allowed in the ES building, so how could a kitten get here?

Leo: Uchuu~ Are you also a wandering artist on a journey to find inspiration? Wahahaha☆

It's going to rain soon, so staying up there is dangerous, right? Come on down, I'll catch you~

Black Kitten: Meow...

Leo: It doesn't seem afraid of us, so why won't it come down? Does it not know how?

Madara: Judging by its weary demeanor, that's likely the case. Getting trapped in trees is pretty typical for cats.

Sheesh, the rain really is pouring now. We should hurry一person or cat, if you’re wet from the rain, it’s easy to catch a cold when piercing winds blow.

Let's split up; while I keep an eye on the kitten, could you please borrow an umbrella from the building, Leo-san?

Leo: No problem! Wait just a moment, Mama, I'll be back soon!

Madara: Okay~ Now’s Mama’s time to show off! Stay put little guy, and watch me climb up to you! Hyah… phew!

Black Kitten: Meow~!

Madara: Don't be afraid, I'm here to save you, you know? Come here, slowly move towards me...

Well done, what a good kitty~ Just stay in the safe, warm embrace of Mama’s arms ♪

Leo: Hey~ Mama, I brought the umbrella!

Oi, how could you do this, Mama! You sent me away to take shelter from the rain, and then you went and rescued the cat all by yourself! Look at you, you're soaked to the bone!

Mama, if you catch a cold because you acted without me, I'll be furious!

Madara: Ahaha, sorry, sorry. I didn't expect the rain to be thiiis heavy, so I thought a swift attempt would be no problem.

But thanks for fretting over me. Don't worry, I'll be perfectly fine ♪

Here, Leo-san, hold the kitten under the umbrella for now. If it gets wet from my clothes, all our efforts toward protecting it from the rain will go to waste.

Black Kitten: Meow—!

Leo: Woah?! No way, the kitten suddenly scampered away?!

Madara: Hahaha, that little guy raced into the building at a blistering speed even I can’t match.

But now I feel unappreciated, just like a mama who has gone through so much for her thankless child...

Leo: It's okay Mama, you've still got me! I appreciate you!

But if that kitty wanders around the building and causes trouble, it’s bound to get caught and taken away. Let's get it back quick!

Location: The twelfth floor hallway of the ES building

Leo: Huff, huff... it ran so fast that it vanished in a flash. Here kitty, kitty~ Where are you—

Madara: Kiiitty~ Mama’s heeeere—

Well... it’s not very efficient if it’s only us two searching for the kitten. Why don't we post on HoldHands to ask anyone who sees it to let us know?

Leo: Good point! I got so caught up chasing after the kitten, I never even thought about something like that!

Let me find it—cell phone, cell phone...

Madara: Hmm? Leo-san, don’t tell me you lost your cell phone again? It's not good that modern people rely so much on their cell phones, but it's also important to keep it on you to stay in touch, you know?

Leo: Haha, Mama's words sound so familiar! Oh yeah, Suo~ always lectures me about that too!

...Oooh, great! Turns out the phone was in my shirt pocket all along☆ Beep-beep-beep-beep, hit send!

brennie's ch 1 | next→

cn proofing: brennie eng proofing: ciel

[blackcatrhapsody]

Black Cat Rhapsody—Chapter 2

Eichi: Let’s start this meeting while I’m immersed in this furry feeling ♪

Content Warning!

This chapter contains mentions of suicide.

Time: A while earlier

Location: A meeting room in the ES building

Eichi: Oh my. And here I thought I was early enough that you couldn’t possibly have arrived already, Keito.

You're serious as ever, coming to the meeting room so far in advance to prepare materials for the producer—

No, you're reading a magazine? That's so unlike you.

Keito: Hmph. Don't misunderstand—It's a film and TV magazine. I’m merely using it as a reference for work since it contains information on the latest box office releases.

ES has been working on a lot of projects with the film industry as of late, so I think it's necessary to know more about it.

Eichi: Wait a second. You just flipped past a promotional poster for a film I believe I’ve seen at the cinema before...

Keito: What, on this page?

Eichi: Mhm. Didn't we once discuss an animated show about a cat spirit when we had yet to graduate from Yumenosaki Academy?[1]

Keito: Ah, of course. I remember—Both are from the same franchise, but based on the content of the film, it ought to be considered a prequel to the show.[2]

Eichi: Fufu, you seem to know a lot about it, Keito. After receiving my recommendation, you earnestly watched the show from start to finish, right?

Keito: …Although you spoiled most of the story before I could even watch it, the show itself was engaging enough. However, new releases are somewhat slow, so you usually have to wait a long time to see the next episode.

Eichi: That's right. At that time, this show was irregularly posted on the internet, and each episode was only a few minutes long—I could never have imagined it would reach the standard of a film production.

I suppose it gradually accumulated a considerable amount of popularity in recent years. In addition, the film was reported to have achieved very good box office rankings, which is quite commendable.

Keito: As long as the work is outstanding enough, it definitely won’t be ignored.

For me, the highlight of the film was how they established the relationships in it. Subverting expectations of who’s good and evil is far from an original concept, but when combined with the characters’ life experiences and emotional development, it was actually quite moving.

Eichi: Indeed. When I first watched it, I didn't expect that spirit was actually the villain.

The scene of that night by the fireside was so warm—the wandering cat spirit thought he’d finally found a home, only for things to end up the way they did.[3]

However, I can also understand the villain’s behaviour. When driven into a corner, he would use even the foulest and cruelest of means to protect the last remaining place of paradise for his kind.

Just as I once did at Yumenosaki Academy. Wielding a keen sword and wreaking havoc, hurting the people who could have been my friends…

But all of that was necessary to eradicate the festering pestilence that had swept over Yumenosaki and to establish order.

If I could do my life over again, I would most likely make the same choices. …After all, this could be considered an Emperor’s obligation.

Keito: …How did the topic of discussion become so heavy all of a sudden. You really do enjoy dressing yourself in the robes of the villain.

In the end, humans and spirits achieve coexistence, and the protagonist finds his own happiness as well. Is it a twisted pleasure of yours to engage in this kind of tragic storytelling?

Eichi: Fufu. A happy ending for the protagonist is often a tragedy for the villain.

Speaking of which, in the final moments of his failed plan, that spirit chose to end his own life, which is a very respectable modus operandi for a villain.

Naturally, I have no such intentions. At least before realizing the future I want to see, no matter how vile of an environment I am in, I will do everything in my power to survive.

Keito: Now that you mention it, a tyrant like you, who could probably survive for a hundred years out of sheer will, would never bring yourself to do that.

Anyway, should you ever have a use for me in the future, just come find me.

Eichi: Fufu. In this respect, perhaps you’re comparable to the villain’s sidekick?

On reflection, you are indeed a bit like the character that manipulates ice in the film. Even when the villain turns on the protagonist, he never opposes him, remaining steadfastly loyal all along.

But the character's silent and reserved personality is the exact opposite of yours. Why don't you try to preach less today?

If you find that difficult to do on your own, I’ll lend you a hand, Keito ♪

Keito: Ha, have you no shame for the words you just spoke? Have you forgotten who is responsible for all the pain in my stomach? You're beyond saving.[4]

If you really want to work with me, don't spend all your time in meetings or other formal affairs plotting ways to stir up trouble.

That said, it's almost time for our meeting with the producer. …Oh, she's here.

Eichi: Wow, speak of the devil. Did Keito stealthily master a producer-summoning technique behind my back?

Keito: …Anzu, pay no mind to what this guy is saying—He jumps to conclusions, so just take a seat.

Hm? Why are you holding a cat in your arms? Bringing animals into the ES building is strictly prohibited; you of all people should know this.

You mean to say when you entered the elevator just now, you saw this cat quietly sitting alone. And because you were worried about it getting caught in the elevator door, you carried it with you?

A cat that knows how to ride an elevator… Can this even occur in reality?

Eichi: Fufu, Keito, you’re also thinking of the little black cat from that franchise, aren't you? The kitten Anzu-chan is holding really looks similar to it.

Keito: All black cats inherently look similar. But this cat is so well-groomed... Could it be a runaway pet?

Anzu, you just saw a lost cat notice posted on HoldHands?

"if u see a black cat in the es building pls lmk, tqsm☆” …Ah, so Tsukinaga and Mikejima are behind this. Just how did they manage to bring a cat into the building and lose track of it? They’re beyond saving.

You just sent them a message, Anzu? Very well then. Let's make haste and finish today’s work before they come over.

Eichi: Oh my, Anzu-chan, it looks like you have your hands full, holding the kitten while retrieving paperwork from your bag. It’d be best if you let me hold it.

No worries, it’s not heavy in the least. Mhm, this darling kitty is smart and capable of grasping human mannerisms.

By extending your paw out, are you saying you want to shake my hand? Sure, let’s shake hands~ ♪

May I scratch under your chin and rub your belly? It'll feel good ♪

Keito: Eichi, there ought to be limits to your voracious play! If you can't control your hands, hand over the cat!

Eichi: Oh? You say that, but you really just want to keep the kitten all to yourself, right, Keito? Are you jealous because you can see how close it is with me?

Fufu, just kidding. Let’s start this meeting while I’m immersed in this furry feeling ♪

←prev | next→

cn proofing: brennie eng proofing: ciel, Soph

referring to the first collaboration story cnstars did with the legend of luo xiaohei franchise.

the film eichi and keito are discussing is “the legend of hei,” the prequel to “the legend of luo xiaohei,” an animated webtoon. eichi and keito’s cards and madara and leo’s bloomed cards depict each of them as a character from this film. see this page to learn who is depicted as whom.

this is a different spirit than the one eichi is talking about in the former and following lines. if you’d like to know what eichi is referring to in greater detail, see this page.

typically, the phrase “beyond saving” has been translated as “incorrigible.” however, the original japanese and (in this case) chinese says something more like “beyond redemption/salvation/saving” as an allusion to keito’s buddhist background. i would like to honor that aspect of keito’s character, so i will occasionally use the phrase beyond saving.

[blackcatrhapsody]

Black Cat Rhapsody—Chapter 3

Eichi: Since our meeting is over, and you have nothing else to do, Keito, it’d be a pleasure to enjoy this long-awaited chat with everyone ♪

Keito: …I can’t deny the fact that I’m free at the moment.

Leo: Knock, knock! Anzu, we’re here! Uchuu~☆

Madara: Hahaha, even though I heard from you beforehand, I’m still overcome with joy to actually see you, Anzu-saaan!

Eichi: Fufu, were you two so eager to greet Anzu-chan that you failed to notice us? The very kitten you seek has been in my custody all along ♪

Leo: Look, there he is—the angel who occasionally wears the smile of a villain!

Wuaaah! You big meanie, what did you do to this pure and innocent kitten!

Eichi: Ahaha, Tsukinaga-kun, your bared fangs and swiping claws have turned you into the spitting image of an irritated kitty cat ♪

Madara: …Wait, what? Anzu-san says there’s a misunderstanding; Eichi-san has actually been helping to care for the kitten?

That explains it! If you look closely, the cat is safe, and soundly asleep on Eichi-san’s lap.

Leo: Oh, it’s even snoring, no wonder it’s not moving! Thanks, Tenshi, you’re a good guy after all ♪

Eichi: Tsukinaga-kun, your criteria for distinguishing "bad people" from "good people" is much too simple. ...Although it might save you from attracting unnecessary trouble.

Mmm? Anzu-chan, you’re leaving now that the matter has been resolved?

Leo: Hey, Anzu, don't go so soon~! The world won't end if we chat a bit more!

Fine... I get that you’re super busy with producer work, but you shouldn't overdo it—If you get a chance, let’s hang out while I'm still in Japan ♪

Then we’ve got a deal! Bye bye~☆

Keito: All right, now would you two care to explain just why you let a kitten loose in the building?

Madara: Hahaha, so Keito-san is also here. Relax, relax~ The truth is that Leo-san and I are not its owner.

We found the kitten today in the Hanging Garden, so it was already inside the building. As for how exactly the kitten managed to sneak in, we don't know.

Eichi: In the same vein, Anzu-chan told us she met this cat in the elevator…

Since it was able to take the elevator on its own, it wouldn’t have been hard for it to enter the ES building if it trailed after someone opening the door, right?

Leo: Wait a sec! Don’t jump to conclusions so fast! Let me use my imagination to search for the answer among the wonderfully infinite possibilities in my fantasy land.

Aha, I’ve got it! Maybe this kitty is actually a cat-shaped creature that aliens dropped, or it’s a shape-shifting demon!

No, it could also have superpowers! Like teleportation, warping from one place to another!

I’m so close! Just a li~ttle bit more and inspiration will emerge! Sure enough, sometimes chatting with others is most stimulating!

Madara: Then why don’t we try talking it out? If you could pick, what kind of superpower would you want to have?

Keito: Hold on Mikejima, hasn’t the topic changed too quickly? In the end, it’s just a cat, how could it have superpowers—

Eichi: Fufu, so that’s how it is. I heard that Tsukinaga-kun had taken over the soundtrack commission for that supernatural period drama, but I never thought geniuses would encounter bottlenecks like the rest of us.

Since our meeting is over, and you have nothing else to do, Keito, it’d be a pleasure to enjoy this long-awaited chat with everyone ♪

Keito: …I can’t deny the fact that I’m free at the moment.

Leo: Wahaha! Then I’ll go first. I want the power to fly from Earth to outer space in an instant!

I’d journey to different planets and befriend all sorts of aliens! Uchuu~☆

Madara: Hahaha, that’s exactly something you’d come up with, Leo-san! I, too, have a longstanding wish I’ve al~ways wanted to fulfill—

To be everyone’s Mama! To be there for each and every kid, I’d probably need the power of self-replication?

And then there’d be countless Mikejima Madaras, participating in festivals held alllll over the world at once—Every day would be a vibrant festival! Wasshoi, wasshoi☆

Keito: It’s already chaotic enough with one Mikejima in the Starmony Dorm. If you split into an uncountable number, I’m afraid I wouldn't be able to sleep at night.

Regarding superpowers and the like… It's not like I haven't thought about it before; these are commonplace in manga.

If I was still at Yumenosaki Academy, I probably would say that I want the ability to manipulate time. After all, I was so busy back then that I never felt like I had enough time.

But I am no longer occupied with student council affairs and Akatsuki hasn't received any decent jobs lately, so I now have more time on my hands than I know what to do with.

If there is anything that bothers me… it’s that somebody always takes my possessions without notice, so I can’t keep track of them.

Considering that, the power of locality tracking would be a more practical choice.

Eichi: Oh? This is somewhat unexpected. I thought you’d pick a power such as being able to manifest any pair of glasses you desire on demand.

Keito: That would take the fun out of collecting them though, right? And it's impossible to make something out of nothing. I don't want a pair of glasses if it is taken from someone else.

No, that's not even close to the point… It's because of certain people that I need this kind of superpower, certain incorrigible people!

Leo: Well~ I mean you’re right, Keito, I did take your glasses, but I remember posting on HoldHands to let everyone know?

I never imagined you’d chase me all the way to the airport—the mental image was so funny, I’ll never forget it! Wahahahaha![1]

Keito: I’d rather you forget it! Actually no, I’d rather you remember it so well that in the future, you’ll never ever again—

Madara: Hahaha! Well, well, Keito-san’s expression suuure is scary. It’s a good thing I’ve never done anything like that!

However, I did see someone sneak something out of Keito-san’s room, smiling as if nothing ever happened.[2]

Eichi: Hmm? Why is everyone suddenly looking at me? Ah, is it my turn to say which superpower I’d like? ♪

I’ve entertained many fascinating possibilities, but if I had to pick something I could make use of, then the power I’d want is the ability to manifest anything my heart desires.

Leo: Huhhh~ Tenshi, you’re too sly. Wouldn’t that be the same as combining all of our superpowers?

Madara: To put it nicely, what you’ve come up with falls within the rules, but isn’t it similar to the trickery in the phrase “I wish for three more wishes”?

Keito: —Okay, let’s end our idle chatter here.

Eichi, you thief who steals my D as often as you like, listen carefully to the extended version of my lecture.[3]

And you, Tsukinaga, you suddenly took my glasses and travelled the world with them—I’ve yet to settle the score with you!!!!!!

Black Kitten: Meow~

Leo: Ah, the kitten woke up and started crying out! Sounds like it must be hungry, huh?

Eichi: Mhm, Keito look, the kitten is hungry. I'll go to the lounge to see if there's anything I can use to feed it ♪

Madara: Hahaha, let’s all go together! Let's go let's go~

Keito: ……

←prev | next→

cn proofing: brennie eng proofing: ciel, Soph

referring to an incident from one of keito’s idol stories: the case of the missing glasses.

referring to spy the mission.

doujinshi. he means his doujinshi. "D" is a codename; read spy the mission to understand its origins.

[blackcatrhapsody]

[blackcatrhapsody]